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Photos: Hollywood stars, famous faces highlight opening nights

Published October 22, 2021, 7:00 AMNBA.com media reports
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From Hollywood to the Big Apple and beyond, check out the famous faces in attendance at season-openers around the NBA.

The Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks began their 2021-22 season playing at their respective home arenas: Staples Center and Madison Square Garden.

Since the Lakers moved from The Forum to Staples Center in 1999, Hollywood’s biggest stars have filled its seats as some of the team’s greatest spectators. At Madison Square Garden is notably among the top places in the Big Apple to spot a celebrity with the Knicks hosting various star-studded groups since its doors opened in 1968.

Take a look at all the stars in attendance as the NBA’s 75th season tipped off in L.A., New York and all around the NBA.

Warriors 121, Lakers 114 on Oct. 19 at Staples Center

Grammy award-winning artists Usher and Justin Bieber sit together courtside during Lakers’ home opener against the Warriors.

Rapper Saweetie holds her camera as she checks out game action at Staples Center.

Rapper and longtime Lakers fan Lil Wayne watches the action from courtside on Tuesday.

Rapper Kid Cudi sports his Space Jam jersey in support of LeBron James and the Lakers at Staples Center.

Legendary boxer Floyd Mayweather enjoys Warriors vs. Lakers game on Tuesday night.


Bucks 127, Nets 104 on Oct. 19 at Fiserv Forum

Tony Parker sits courtside for the Nets-Bucks game on Oct. 19 at Fiserv Forum.

Spurs legend Tony Parker (right) poses for a photo with (from left) Rob Nelson and racing stars Charles LeClerc and Pierre Gasly.


Knicks 138, Celtics 134 in 2OT on Oct. 20 at Madison Square Garden

Lifelong Knicks fan Spike Lee cheers on his squad as they defeat the Celtics in double-overtime at Madison Square Garden.

(From left) Actor Tracy Morgan, rapper ASAP Ferg and filmmaker Spike Lee pose together courtside prior to tip off on Wednesday.

Actor Michael J. Fox returns to his courtside seat during Wednesday’s Celtics-Knicks game at MSG.

Comedian and talk show host Jon Stewart sits with actor Pete Davidson as the Knicks battle the Celtics to open the season.

Although the Lakers failed to take care of home court on Tuesday in their 121-114 loss to the Warriors, the duel between the Knicks and Celtics Wednesday was an opener for the ages with New York fending off Boston 138-134 in double overtime.

And since he wasn’t playing, LeBron James took Twitter on Wednesday in support of his basketball colleagues as they capped off an electrifying performance in New York.


Spurs 123, Magic 97 on Oct. 20 at AT&T Center

Spurs legend David Robinson (right) greets Spurs coach Gregg Popovich before Wednesday’s game.

Singer Austin Mahone (center) sits courtside for the Spurs’ home-opener against the Magic on Oct. 20.


Wizards 98, Raptors 83 on Oct. 20 at Scotiabank Arena

Rapper Drake smiles during Wednesday’s game between the Raptors and Wizards in Toronto.


Jazz 107, Thunder 86 on Oct. 20 at Vivint Arena

NBA commissioner Adam Silver watches the Thunder-Jazz game from the stands in Salt Lake City on Wednesday night.


Bulls 94, Pistons 88 on Oct. 20 at Little Caesars Arena